January 2025

For agricultural operations, electricity is essential but it can be dangerous. Annually in the United States, 62 farm workers are electrocuted, including youth. In many of those cases, contact between machinery and an overhead power line or utility poll is the cause. Electrical safety is key to prevent fires, injuries, electrocution, and potential death.

This checklist will help you identify possible electrical hazards on your farm and ways to protect your family and workers.

Where could electrical hazards be “hiding” on your farm?

SAFETY CHECKLIST

The checklist below lists a few common hazards you can look for:

• Are workers aware of the many ways they can come into contact with electricity, like overhead power lines? Even nonmetallic materials, like wood, can conduct electricity.
• Do all workers know where power lines are located?
• Have all workers been trained in proper emergency exit procedures if equipment contacts power lines?
• Are workers aware of their equipment’s true height? Including antennas on tractors, augers, trailers/wagons, etc.
• Is there a clearly posted height restriction of 14 feet for all portable and moveable equipment to ensure safe clearance during windy conditions?
• Do all workers know to call 811 before they dig?
• Are all electrical equipment and wires in good condition?
• Are main electrical shutoffs clearly marked and accessible?

You and/or your employee(s) can download and print a pdf checklist to complete safety checks on your farm.  Keep the completed forms for follow-up, future reference and inspections.

Disclaimer: The facts and information listed above are suggestions for your safety, but are in no way a comprehensive and exhaustive list of all actions needed to ensure your safety.